Welcome to Moscow, Russia

The ICONO/LAT:2013 will be held in Moscow, capital of the Russian Federation, the biggest city in Europe and one of the biggest in the world. Moscow's origin as a symbol of Russia goes back 850 years. From the Kremlin, Moscow spreads out in four distinctive rings of development. Most of the city's sites are within the first circle, an area that can easily be covered on foot. Most visitors are surprised to see so many churches, but the Kremlin was once the center of Russian Orthodox Church as well as the State. A visiting 19th-century French aristocrat, the Marquis de Custine, described the exterior of St. Basil's as a sort of irregular fruit bristling with excrescence, a cantaloupe melon with embroidered edges. The Novodevichy Convent, a cluster of 16 sparkling domes behind turreted walls is perhaps the most beautiful of the city's convents.

If you like more conventional museums, there are scores to choose from. The Pushkin State Fine Arts Museum boasts a broad selection of European works from the Renaissance onward. The Tretyakov Gallery has the world's best collection of Russian icons and a fine collection of pre-Revolutionary Russian art. There are also numerous literary museums such as the Tolstoy, Pushkin, Dostoevsky, Gogol, and Lermontov museums.

There is enough going on in Moscow's theaters and halls to keep anyone entertained for months. While a night of ballet or opera at the Bolshoi, or a concert at the Conservatory, would be top priorities for most, there are at least 60 other theaters to choose from.

A few links, which will help you to plan your trip for the conference

and your time while in Moscow, are given below.

1. •Travel and event guide for Moscow, Russia:
   http://all-moscow.ru/moscow.en.html
   

2. •Moscow maps and plans: http://www.infoservices.com/moscow/map/
   

3. •Russia on the Net: http://www.ru/eng/index.html
   

4. •The Moscow Times: http://www.themoscowtimes.com
   

MOSCOW ETIQUETTE AND CUSTOMS

Greeting someone in Moscow. A simple handshake is sufficient for most occasions. Address the person with his/her title and last name until requested to use their first name. If visiting someone in a more social setting, it is customary to bring a small gift such as wine, flowers or chocolates.

Tipping advice. Tipping is left to your discretion if the service warrants it. An amount of 10 to 15 percent is sufficient.

Moscow dress code. For business, attire is the same as in any major capital city, i.e. smart suits. When visiting tourist attractions such as churches, remember that Russia is a Christian Orthodox country and women are requested to cover their heads.

MOSCOW WEATHER

Moscow's weather in June-July is regularly quite mild. The average temperature is some 20–25 C in June. Rain is always possible. The best advice is to keep checking the weather information in Moscow region and be prepared!

SIGHTSEEING PROGRAM

An extended sightseeing program is offered to the conference participants and accompanying persons. Please contact the travel agency table at the registration area for details.

MOSCOW TRANSPORTATION AND AIRPORT INFORMATION

Three Moscow's international airports are located outside Moscow. The fastest and cheapest way to reach the city is to take a shuttle train that connects the airport with the downtown of Moscow. Alternatively, you may arrange transfer with your hotel or travel agent or take a taxi upon arrival (most expensive).

Central Moscow is easily explored by foot, however taxis are plentiful and easy to flag down with a raised hand and a little confidence. Take note that a lot of private car owners act as unofficial taxis and whoever picks you up is unlikely to have a meter, so be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before you get in. One of the highlights of any trip to Moscow is the underground/metro, which is one of the most impressive in the world with chandeliers and palatial ticket halls.